68 pages • 2 hours read
Robert CormierAfter The First Death
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1979A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
After the First Death follows the terrorist hijacking of a school bus in Massachusetts, focusing on the perspectives of Ben Markhand, the son of General Marcus Markhand; Kate Forrester, the bus's teenage driver; and two hijackers, Miro Shantas and Artkin. The narrative alternates between the events of the hijacking and the reflections of those involved, revealing deep psychological and moral struggles. The book addresses sensitive topics such as terrorism, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
After the First Death by Robert Cormier is often praised for its intense psychological depth and compelling narrative. Reviewers commend its realistic portrayal of complex characters and moral ambiguity. However, some criticize its dark themes and slow pacing. The novel's exploration of terrorism and its impact on individuals is thought-provoking but may not appeal to all readers.
Who Should Read After The First Death?
Fans of psychological thrillers filled with moral ambiguity and complex characters would enjoy Robert Cormier's After The First Death. Similar readers appreciate Lord of the Flies by William Golding and The Chocolate War by Cormier, where intense narratives explore the darker facets of human nature and adolescent struggles.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsBook Details
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Psychological Fiction
Military / War
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Education
Life/Time: Mortality & Death
Emotions/Behavior: Fear
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil